Fareed speaks with Barham Salih, former prime minister of Iraqi Kurdistan and former deputy prime minister of Iraq, about the role the Peshmerga could play in fighting ISIS. Watch the full interview on "Fareed Zakaria GPS," this Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET on CNN.

What about the Peshmerga? Will the Kurdish Army – this is the force that protects the Kurdish part of Iraq. Is it going to be willing to go into battle in Iraq – potentially even into Syria – to fight ISIS, since you do need an effective fighting force on the ground?

My own sense is I can say this defensively. Kurdistan has emerged as the most reliable partner to the international coalition in the fight against ISIS. There may be a number of reasons for that.

One of the issues that I'm proud of, Kurdistan represents a tolerant society, tolerant values, and we do have a real interest in taking on ISIS.

So the Kurdish Peshmergas are taking on ISIS. They are fighting ISIS across nearly 1,000 kilometers of line. But I have to say, also, the mantra is that Kurdish Peshmergas should not be relied upon to go to Mosul or should not be relied upon to go to the heartland of the Sunni areas or to Baghdad.

We can be there to support. But at the same time, the communities there need to be empowered. The same thing about Syria...

Because you would be seen as an almost foreign army if you were to go into...

I think one has to also acknowledge this reality. This is payback time. Over the last 10 years, there were lots of communities, particularly in the Sunni areas, who felt marginalized. ISIS and these extremists have taken advantage of those grievances, and this has become an incubating ground for them.

The fundamental answer is to empower these communities to take on these extremists.

soundoff(67 Responses)

USA citizens are being psychologically prepared for any military action that the government must take to protect the nation's interests.
To ensure the success of adequate bombing or sending our professional soldiers to fight on the ground, we who would benefit from a strong nation need to refrain from singing too many folk songs about bridges and troubled waters.

"Wherever it sees fit?"
No, my country should not base its decision to go to war on the observation of a person's experiencing a seizure.
We should undertake military action only when it is to our advantage.

Be honest: is there a problem with Islam?
No. There isn't. Islam teaches tolerance, patience, acceptance of other's beliefs, respect, fair treatment of women, and love thy neighbor.
I see no problem with Islam. It is beautiful.

@ rupert:
I know many Muslims.
Every one of them is a wonderful person, and most of them base their lives on the teachings of Islam.
Quite a few Muslims need to be fought by us, but they are not the ones that I know.

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The Global Public Square is where you can make sense of the world every day with insights and explanations from CNN's Fareed Zakaria, leading journalists at CNN, and other international thinkers. Join GPS editor Jason Miks and get informed about global issues, exposed to unique stories, and engaged with diverse and original perspectives.